Mindanao State University – General Santos (MSU-GenSan) celebrated its 46th Commencement Exercises on July 9, 2025, a momentous occasion highlighted by the presence of newly appointed MSU System President, Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA, who also served as keynote speaker. The event, themed “MSU General Santos: Fostering Excellence, Serving the Nation,” honored the graduating Batch Maragsâ and emphasized education’s crucial role in national development.
President Tago’s keynote address resonated deeply, urging graduates to remember their roots and use their education to uplift their communities. His powerful message, “Pag ang iyong natapos hindi mo inuuwi sa iyong pinanggalingan, your education is meaningless,” echoed deeply, urging graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. He also stressed the importance of embracing the diverse identities within Mindanao, acknowledging the Bangsamoro, Lumad, and other communities.
Chancellor Atty. Shidik T. Abantas, MDM, LLM, delivered an inspiring address to the graduates, emphasizing the importance of using their education to serve others, urging them to plant the seeds of their knowledge in communities and systems in need.
The ceremony included inspiring speeches from Valedictorian Honey Babe L. Sinangote (Magna Cum Laude, BSED-English), who spoke on perseverance and viewing failures as opportunities for growth; and Leonard Tucjayao (University Student Leadership Awardee), who paid tribute to the parents and guardians who supported the graduates. Aslanie A. Macatanto (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering) received the Gawad Kalinaw (Distinction Award for Sustaining Peace) for her commitment to peace-building.
The 46th Commencement Exercises concluded with an atmosphere of joy and hope, reaffirming MSU-GenSan’s commitment to fostering excellence and producing graduates dedicated to serving the nation. President Tago’s presence significantly underscored the MSU System’s commitment to its graduates and their future contributions.
